York City midfield player Mitch Ward is expected to return after a six match absence through injury for today's home match against Kidderminster Harriers.

Ward, who picked up a hamstring injury in the FA Cup first round tie against his old club Barnsley in November, played an hour of Wednesday's 4-2 reserve team victory over Darlington and suffered no reaction.

Richard Cooper is the player expected to drop out to make way for Ward, who said: "I am fit enough to start but it depends on how the gaffer wants to pick his team. Hopefully I can play some part against Kidderminster."

With York drawing seven of their last nine matches, Ward appreciates the need to start winning games in order to boost City's league position of 11th.

Ward added: "We need to start picking up three points, starting against Kidderminster because that would set us up nicely for the big Derby game against Hull City on Boxing day which everybody is looking forward to.

"I don't think the matches over Christmas are too difficult and they are all games we can win."

York visit Rochdale a week today to complete their Christmas fixtures.